Neurologic clinics
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Pain assessment and physical examination are the first crucial steps in diagnosis of neuropathic pain disorders because these are still solely diagnosed on clinical grounds. The physical examination should be conducted in such a way that all of the positive sensory phenomena, such as allodynia, hyperalgesia, hyperpathia, summation, and after-sensation are elicited. Other physical examination findings should corroborate the diagnostic impression of neuropathic pain. Specific pain diagnosis should then lead to more specific therapy.
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Painful polyneuropathy is one of the most common chronic pain syndromes neurologists are asked to assess for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. This article reviews the most current clinical guidelines, including history, pain assessment, physical examination findings, treatment recommendations, and pathophysiologic pain mechanisms underlying this condition. As a result of recent advances, the understanding and therapy of pain associated with polyneuropathy has evolved over the past several years and will continue to do so in the years to come.
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This article presents recent observations about different recognized central pain syndromes (CPS) and discusses them in light of contemporary microelectrode and imaging findings. Different theories regarding the generation of CPS are reviewed, with an emphasis on difficulties in diagnosis and treatment. The author discourages destructive procedures for treatment of CPS, favoring, instead, reversible procedures such as stimulation techniques and drug delivery systems.
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Traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries remain the leading cause of death and disability for individuals under 50 years of age. This article describes common causes of primary and secondary central nervous system injuries. Particular emphasis is placed on the initial evaluation of trauma patients, detection of head and spinal cord injuries, and critical care of these patients. Definitive management of central nervous system injuries and prognosis and long-term management issues are also discussed.
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This article discusses the assessment and management of rapidly progressive weakness due to neuromuscular disorders. The authors review elements helpful in determining the causes of weakness including pertinent history and laboratory studies. ⋯ In addition, respiratory function assessment is reviewed. The latter part of this article is devoted to evaluation and management of two of the most common disorders, Guillain-Barré syndrome and myasthenia gravis.